Universal baluster connector

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, the invention is a universal baluster connector. In one embodiment, a connector for use in securing a baluster to a railing includes a body having a first end and a second end and a stem coupled to the first end of the body, the stem being expandable in a radial direction. Expansion of the stem allows the connector to be used to secure a baluster to a railing of substantially any thickness.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to railing systems and relatesmore specifically to support hardware for use in railing installations.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Balusters are frequently used in the construction of decks, porches,stairs, and other structures that include railings. FIG. 1, for example,is a schematic illustration of a portion of an exemplary railing system100, including a plurality of balusters 1061-106 n (hereinaftercollectively referred to as “balusters 106”). The railing system 100comprises a support surface or bottom railing 102, a top railing 104,and the plurality of balusters 106 positioned between the bottom railing102 and the top railing 104. Generally, the bottom railing 102 issupported in a spaced-apart relation relative to the top railing 104 bythe balusters 106.

In order to secure the balusters 106 to the bottom and top railings 102and 104, connectors are often first attached to the bottom and toprailings 102 and 104. For example, the baluster 106 ₂ is secured to thebottom and top railings 102 and 104 by two respective connectors 108(illustrated in phantom). Specifically, the connectors 108 are attachedto the bottom and top railings 102 and 104 in a secure manner, and thebaluster 106 ₂ is then fitted over the connectors 108 (the baluster 106₂ may be partially or completely hollow to accommodate the connectors).In this manner, the baluster 106 ₂ is supported securely between thebottom and top railings 102 and 104.

Conventionally, the connectors are attached to the railings usingscrews. Because the railings used in different railings systems (andeven the bottom and top railings used in the same railing system) mayhave different thicknesses, one must first verify the sizes of thescrews needed to assemble the railing system before attempting toinstall the balusters.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention is a universal baluster connector. Inone embodiment, a connector for use in securing a baluster to a railingincludes a body having a first end and a second end and a stem coupledto the first end of the body, the stem being expandable in a radialdirection. Expansion of the stem allows the connector to be used tosecure a baluster to a railing of substantially any thickness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The teachings of the present invention can be readily understood byconsidering the following detailed description in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1, for example, is a schematic illustration of a portion of anexemplary railing system, including a plurality of balusters;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view illustrating one embodiment of a balusterconnector, according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the baluster connector illustratedin FIG. 2, taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the baluster connector illustrated in FIG. 2;and

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method forinstalling a baluster, according to the present invention.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common tothe figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, the invention is a universal baluster connector.Embodiments of the present invention provide an expandable fasteningmechanism that allows a baluster connector to be attached to a railingof substantially any thickness (hence, the baluster connector is“universal”). A railing system can therefore be assembled quickly andeasily, regardless of the thicknesses of the components being used.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view illustrating one embodiment of a balusterconnector 200, according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3is a cross sectional view of the baluster connector 200 illustrated inFIG. 2, taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a top view of thebaluster connector 200 illustrated in FIG. 2. FIGS. 2-4 may be referredto simultaneously in connection with the following discussion for abetter understanding of the present invention.

As illustrated, the baluster connector 200 comprises a substantiallycylindrical body 202 having a first end 206 and a second end 208. Asubstantially cylindrical stem 204 extends from the second end 208 ofthe body 202. The diameter, d₁, of the body 202 is greater than thediameter, d₂, of the stem 204; thus, the circumferences of the body 202and the stem 204 are substantially concentric. In addition, the balusterconnector 200 comprises a bore 212 that is disposed through the centeraxis, c, of the baluster connector 200. The bore 212 extends from thefirst end 206 of the body through the stem 204. In one embodiment, thebaluster connector 200 is formed from a high density polymer orcomposite, such as high density polyethylene.

The body 202 comprises a plurality of ribs 210 ₁-210 _(n) (hereinaftercollectively referred to as “ribs 210”) extending radially outwardtherefrom. Specifically, the ribs 210 extend radially outward along thelength of the cylindrical body 202. The ribs 210 may all havesubstantially the same diameter, or they may have differing diameters.For example, in FIG. 3, the rib 210 ₂ has a slightly greater diameterthan the ribs 210 ₁ and 210 _(n). In this case, the rib 210 ₂ ispositioned between the ribs 210 ₁ and 210 _(n), such that the balusterconnector's overall diameter is greatest at substantially the midpointof the body's length.

The stem 204 is split along its length, such that it forms at least twodistinct sections. FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, illustrate a split 218that extends along the diameter, d₂, of the stem 204. The stem 204 alsocomprises a plurality of ribs 214 extending radially outward therefrom.Specifically, the ribs 214 extend radially outward along the length ofthe stem 204. In one embodiment, the ribs 214 that extend from the stem204 are shorter than the ribs 210 that extend from the body 202. In oneembodiment, the ribs 214 all have substantially the same diameter, suchthat the stem 204 has a substantially uniform cross section, asillustrated in FIG. 3. In a further embodiment, the ribs 214 that extendfrom the stem 204 are angled toward the body 202, as also illustrated inFIG. 3. In other words, the ribs 214 extend outward from the stem 204 atan angle, as opposed to extending directly outward. Thus, the ribs 214create a pattern of “teeth” along the length of the stem 204.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method 500 forinstalling a baluster, according to the present invention. The method500 makes use of the baluster connector 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2-4; assuch, reference is made in the discussion of FIG. 5 to various elementsof FIGS. 2-4.

The method 500 is initiated at step 502. In step 504, a hole ispre-drilled into a railing (e.g., a top railing or a bottom railing) ofa railing system being assembled. The hole is drilled at a point atwhich a baluster is to be connected to the railing. In one embodiment,the diameter of the hole is slightly smaller than the diameter, d₂, ofthe stem 204.

In step 506, a baluster connector 200 of the type illustrated in FIGS.2-4 is positioned in the hole. In particular, the baluster connector 200is positioned such that the stem 204 extends into the pre-drilled hole,while the body 202 sits substantially flush along the surface of therailing. In one embodiment, it may be necessary to tap the balusterconnector 200 into the hole (e.g., using a hammer) to achieve thisresult.

A fastener (e.g., a nail) is driven through the baluster connector 200in step 508. In particular, the fastener is driven through the bore 212,moving in a direction from the body 202 toward the stem 204. FIG. 3, forexample, shows a fastener 216 disposed through the bore 212. Driving thefastener 216 through the bore 212 will cause the stem 204 to expandradially and exert a force against the walls of the pre-drilled hole.Specifically, the sections of the stem 204 that are formed by thesplit(s) 218 will be forced in opposite directions. In addition, theribs 214 of the stem 204 will grip the walls of the pre-drilled hole.The baluster connector 200 is therefore securely set in the railing.

In step 510, a baluster is installed over the baluster connector 200.The method 500 ends in step 512. The method 500 may be repeated as manytimes as is necessary to install a series of balusters. In addition, themethod 500 may be performed twice for each baluster to be installed(i.e., so that a baluster connector 200 connects the baluster to boththe top and bottom railings of the railing system).

Because the baluster connector 200 is expandable, it can be installed inrailings having widely varying material thicknesses. The balusterconnector 200 is therefore “universal” in that it can be used to connecta baluster to a railings have substantially any material thickness. Thisallows for quick and easy baluster installation without the need forspecialized or multiple types of hardware.

Although various embodiments which incorporate the teachings of thepresent invention have been shown and described in detail herein, thoseskilled in the art can readily devise many other varied embodiments thatstill incorporate these teachings.

1. A connector for use in securing a baluster to a railing, theconnector comprising: a body having a first end and a second end; and astem coupled to the first end of the body, the stem being expandable ina radial direction.
 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the body andthe stem are substantially cylindrical in shape.
 3. The connector ofclaim 2, wherein a diameter of the body is larger than a diameter of thestem.
 4. The connector of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises: aplurality of ribs extending radially outward from the body.
 5. Theconnector of claim 1, wherein the stem is split along a length of thestem.
 6. The connector of claim 5, wherein the split extends along adiameter of the stem.
 7. The connector of claim 1, wherein the stemfurther comprises: a plurality of ribs extending radially outward fromthe body.
 8. The connector of claim 7, wherein the plurality of ribs isangled toward the body.
 9. The connector of claim 1, further comprising:a bore disposed through a central axis of the connector.
 10. Theconnector of claim 1, wherein connector is formed from a high densitypolymer.
 11. A railing system, comprising: a support surface; a toprailing; a plurality of balusters positioned between the support surfaceand the top railing; and a plurality of connectors connecting theplurality of balusters to the support surface and to the top railing,where at least one of the plurality of connectors comprises: a bodyhaving a first end and a second end; and a stem coupled to the first endof the body, the stem being expandable in a radial direction.
 12. Therailing system of claim 11, wherein a diameter of the body is largerthan a diameter of the stem.
 13. The railing system of claim 11, whereinthe body further comprises: a plurality of ribs extending radiallyoutward from the body.
 14. The railing system of claim 11, wherein thestem is split along a length of the stem.
 15. The railing system ofclaim 14, wherein the split extends along a diameter of the stem. 16.The railing system of claim 11, wherein the stem further comprises: aplurality of ribs extending radially outward from the body.
 17. Therailing system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of ribs is angledtoward the body.
 18. The railing system of claim 11, wherein theconnector further comprises: a bore disposed through a central axis ofthe connector.
 19. The railing system of claim 11, wherein connector isformed from a high density polymer.
 20. A method for installing abaluster to a material comprising a support surface or a railing, themethod comprising: positioning a connector in a hole formed in thematerial, such that a first portion of the connector is disposed in thehole and a second portion of the connector sits substantially flush witha surface of the material; expanding the first portion of the connectorwithin the hole; and installing the baluster over the second portion ofthe connector.